Another school year has come to a close and for many of our students it is the culmination of their lifetime thus far and a celebration of achieving one of life’s great milestones!  The journey that began for our students in Kindergarten will be celebrated this morning along with a reminder that the journey is not over.  I wish we could have commemorated your journey last night, but happy to be here for you on this beautiful Saturday morning!

Seniors,

The time has come that I must finally say goodbye.  At many of our ceremonies throughout the year it has been made easier to know that the next day you would still walk through the door and I’d get to see you in class.  You’d get to continue mentoring the others in our band program and do your best to leave a legacy that will forever impact the traditions of our band program.  But today is the final ceremony of your schooling career in which we will honor the dedication and perseverance that it takes to finish high school.  I hope that you take a minute to pause and reflect on what a great journey it has been.  We are blessed in our lives to be able to celebrate many milestones, and this certainly one to celebrate!

I guess since this is your last one, it is time to say Good… Luck!  Goodbye seems too permanent.  I want you to know that we value the impact that you have made one our band program and on our school and we hope that you will return to visit and continue to support your band.  I hope that when you return you will find everything in a better place and realize that we were able to accomplish the continued growth because of the example that you were and the legacy that you helped to develop.

Recently I was reminded of a Jim Carey graduation speech that I would like to recommend you watch on youtube.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2rVDCrt6QY.  The point that he makes when speaking about his father was that his father decided to take the path that was most “secure,” one that would be best to provide for his family.  Mr. Carey said that his father had other dreams but was worried about the risks associated with them so he made the “safe” decision to be an accountant.  Unfortunately, his father was laid off from that job and it created a difficult life for him and his family.  Mr. Carey then says, “I have learned many great lessons from my father, not the least of which was that you can fail at what you don’t want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.” Good, right? There are many other profound things that he says during that speech.  Check it out, you’ll be glad that you did.

I am so proud of you!  I cannot wait to see you again after you’ve experience the next chapter of your life.  Please keep in touch, I want to hear your stories.  Remember that your  band family still loves you and will be cheering you on as you reach for your dreams.  Yes, you still have many more challenging roads ahead of you, but you’re ready to face them and God will help you navigate them if you allow him to. You also have many wonderful friends still here at CHS that will continue to provide love and encouragement along the way.

So, Good Luck! God Speed! Onward and Upward! Keep your chin up and continue to walk tall.  You did it and are on to bigger and better things! Proud to be a Trojan and proud of you all!